HMSA 2009 – Request for Intent

U.S. Hindu community activists are invited to participate in the Annual Conference of the Hindu Mahasabha of AmericaHouston, TX on Saturday Dec. 5th, 2009 from 9:00 AM until 7:30 PM. A tentative agenda for the conference is attached.

The conference provides an opportunity to network with Hindu activists, and having an opportunity to participate in projects of relevance to the Hindu community in the Unites States and shared concerns with the global Hindu Diaspora.

Once your affirmative intent is received, further information will be furnished. Referrals for other potential participants are welcome.

Participants bear all conference related expenses, including the following: (a) travel to Houston / meeting venue, (b) Registration Fees – $25 per participant. Meals (light breakfast and lunch, and dinner) are included in the registration fees.

VENUE

Please call Mr. Dilip Mehta @ 713-553-7384 to get the directions to the conference venue.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

(Tentative)

U.S. Hindu Community

Rebuilding the U.S. Hindu Community

Role of Youth and Women

Session Chair: Mr. Dilip Mehta

At present the U.S. Hindu community is scattered into sectarian, linguistic and casteist lines. The resulting mis-organization results in ineffectiveness in socio-economic-political representation in mainstream America. An assessment of current social organization needs to be made, and programs need to be developed that can help furthering the consolidation of the U.S. Hindu community. A special segment will focus on role of women and youth.

A Call to Re-organize the Hindu Community in the U.S.

Speaker: Mrs. Aneeta Chakrabarty

Global Hindu Human Rights

Human Rights violations against Hindus in Bangladesh,

And the role of the U.S. Hindu Community

Session Chair: Dr. Richard Benkin

Human rights of Hindus in Bangladesh are being violated almost on a daily basis, and yet Bangladeshi establishment has escaped international scrutiny for decades. This session will explore what active role the U.S. Hindu community can play in effectively addressing the issue. The following action-oriented programs will be tabled at the conference, and volunteers sought to work on the ensuing projects. Action Agenda: (a) Create an effective lobbying group that will be unrelenting in defending common Hindu and American interests, while combating those contrary to principles shared by both, (b) Create a body to effectively publicize the human rights abuses and outrages not only to those of us who already know they exist, but also to a more general public, (c) Focus on specific issues, such as the ethnic cleansing of Bangladeshi Hindus by Islamists and their fellow travelers to create effective outrage and opposition, and (d) Create a body for effective and regular public demonstrations and protests.

Social Rehabilitation of Hindu Families

Presenter: Utsav Chakravarty

This project aims to provide support and rehabilitation for women facing discrimination and persecution. The aim is to raise resources and support for those who believe in religious freedom and social equality and future avenues of growth. The project also aims at spreading the message of Love and Progressive Rationalism as encompassed in Hindu Dharma, especially women.